Our destination today was the Charles Darwin Research Station at Santa Cruz Island, the second largest island in the archipelago.
On our way to the rearing center for giant tortoises, we walked through a very green area full of local vegetation, like the gigantic prickly pear cactus, which has a large trunk, like a tree.
At the Research Station, we were able to observe, first-hand, the steps that are taken to make this center so successful. We had the chance to be very close to the giant tortoises and their babies’ as well as the now famous tortoise, the mighty Diego.
Later in the morning, we took buses into the highlands of Santa Cruz for lunch. Several options were offered, like riding bikes or taking a bus to a local farm where sugar cane is harvested and converted in different products like juice, melasa and even rum! There, we also observed our local organic coffee being processed—harvested, dried, roasted and grinded. We had the opportunity to taste of all local products as well. Some guests had coffee, but many also had rum….
After our visit, we enjoyed a tasty, well-deserved meal at a local restaurant located about 900 feet from the farm. Many guests continued exploring the area, while others opted to have a cool drink and relax back to the town of Puerto Ayora.
Soon after, some of us took a bus ride, in search of Geochelone porteri, Santa Cruz Island’s endemic species of giant tortoise. We had a great time walking in the grass, seeing tortoises in their natural habitat. We found some that weighed over 400 pounds, with a majestic shell, simply staring at us as they munched away at the vegetation.
Today’s visit was outstanding, and our expedition is about to reach its peak. We are already a big family bonded together by the mystical magic of the Galápagos Islands.
